How do you rebuild stairs?

Question

Whoever built my steps to my basement must have been dropping acid or something. They are the most messed up things I've ever seen. I have to walk down them sideways so I don't fall. The steps themselves are about 4" deep with a normal 7" rise. They are a complete danger and I am shocked that the house passed inspection when it was for sale. Go figure? So, how do I go about fixing them so I can walk down them normally? Thank you in advance for responses.

Answer 1

Keep in mind that, by making proper 7" (or whatever) treads, the angle of the stairway is going to be less steep going down to the basement. That means it will take more distance into the basement for the new stairs. You also will be at a higher elevation for a longer time as you go down stairs. Is there anything in the way where you'll constantly be hitting your head when you go up or down stairs?

Before you set about replacing those stairs, measure to see if there is enough room and overhead clearance for a proper stairway. That might be why those stairs were so small in the first place.

Answer 2

If this is a wood staircase with only 4" deep treads, you'll need to replace the stair jacks with properly cut ones in order to install a tread of the proper depth. Cantilevering a tread past the end of the stair jack is dangerous.

Hank

Answer 3

They will need to be rebuilt completely. If you have the room you can kick out the depth but you will need more floor space so you may need to make a landing to create a U or an L.

If you are still new to the house try to get used to it as the price will be $$$$$$$$$$$'s

Answer 4

I'm not much of a builder but hey check this website out and let me know what you think. I think its pretty good with building stairs. http://www.make-my-own-house.com/stair-construction.html